Did you know that foreign nationals can invest in real estate in the United States? If you are a foreign national, you can still invest in any real estate, including residential property, commercial property, and land in the U.S.
The term "international" or "foreign national" refers to two types of clients: non-resident foreigners who are non-U.S. citizens permanently residing outside the United States, and resident foreigners who are non-U.S. citizens, recent immigrants (less than two years), or non-immigrant visa holders residing in the United States for more than six months.
Why Invest in U.S. Real Estate?
U.S. real estate remains a cornerstone of global wealth preservation, bolstered by a carefully governed banking system, a deep history of private property rights, and an entrepreneurial culture that remains the envy of the world. As we look at the landscape in 2026, the market has proven remarkably resilient despite the global economic shifts of recent years. With its diverse geography — from coastal gateway cities to the booming Sun Belt — and its position as a primary "safe haven" for capital, the United States continues to offer a unique stability that few other markets can match.
Recent data from the 2025 National Association of Realtors (NAR) report shows a significant rebound in international interest, with foreign buyers purchasing $56 billion in residential property. This represents a substantial 33% increase in dollar volume compared to the previous year, signaling a renewed confidence in U.S. assets. Interestingly, nearly 47% of these transactions were all-cash purchases, as global investors utilized their liquidity to bypass high mortgage rates and secure prime real estate. Furthermore, the intent behind these purchases remains split; roughly half of foreign buyers acquired property for use as a primary residence or for non-immigrant visa holders residing in the U.S., while the other half specifically targeted vacation homes and rental investments.
The demographic of investors has also seen some interesting shifts. China remains the top source of foreign capital, accounting for 15% of foreign buyers and $13.7 billion in volume, followed closely by Canada at 14% ($6.2 billion). Mexico (8%), India (6%), and the United Kingdom (4%) round out the top five, highlighting the broad global appeal of the American market. When it comes to location, Florida continues its 16-year streak as the top destination, capturing 21% of all foreign investment. However, California has surged to the second spot at 15%, with Texas (10%), New York (7%), and Arizona (5%) also attracting significant attention. Notably, the luxury market continues to thrive, with a growing percentage of international buyers targeting properties valued well over the $1 million mark.
As of early 2026, the U.S. housing market is entering a "rebalancing" phase. While the market still faces challenges like limited inventory and a strong dollar, economists are seeing a stabilization of home prices and a gradual improvement in supply. Many institutional investors are now looking toward high-growth secondary markets such as Raleigh, Charlotte, and Nashville, where economic expansion and population growth are driving rental demand. While the market is always cyclical, the current environment provides a window of opportunity for those looking to capitalize on the "turning tide" as interest rates begin to settle and the long-term appreciation of U.S. land continues its historical upward trajectory.
How to Invest
- Establish Entity. Set up your investment entity in the U.S.
- Identify Investment. Find the right investment for your goals.
- Complete Investment. Process documents and funds to invest.
Why Kubera Capital?
Investing with Kubera Capital offers foreign investors a sophisticated bridge into the U.S. market, rooted in a philosophy of long-term stewardship and wealth preservation. In the 2026 landscape — defined by a "flight to quality" — Kubera Capital distinguishes itself by moving beyond daily operational noise to focus on high-conviction financial objectives that serve generations. By specializing in institutional-grade alternative assets, including multifamily residential, medical offices, and senior living, the firm provides international partners with curated access to the most resilient sectors of the American economy. This approach is backed by over a decade of deep-market due diligence and a commitment to transparent, disciplined capital deployment, ensuring that global capital is not just parked, but positioned for durable growth.
"Global capital is not just parked. It is positioned for durable growth."
Furthermore, Kubera Capital's strategic focus on technology-enabled real estate and AI infrastructure readiness offers a forward-looking advantage for modern portfolios. As the U.S. enters a new growth phase driven by the integration of AI into enterprise operations, the firm leverages its expertise through KolmioLabs to ensure that investments are future-proofed against shifting market demands. For the foreign investor, this means more than just acquiring property; it means partnering with a firm that understands the intersection of deep tech and physical assets. With a presence in high-growth hubs like North Carolina's Research Triangle and a network that spans institutional and high-net-worth circles, Kubera Capital provides the localized expertise and sophisticated brand of capital management necessary to navigate the complexities of the current U.S. investment cycle.
Real EstateInternational InvestorsForeign National Investing
AJ
Arun Jain
Founder, Kubera Capital
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or tax advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal.